Qualified applicants must have volunteered within the past two years at Manatee County Animal Services or an established private rescue agency within the County for at least 10 days, as verified by the relevant agency. Applicants cannot be a corporate officer of an existing governmental or non-profit organization, agency, or voluntary association within the County with a primary mission of the care, handling, or rescue of domestic animals.

The applicant also cannot be a veterinarian and cannot have adopted an animal from Manatee County Animal Services within two years prior to appointment.

The advisory board meets quarterly or as determined by the advisory board at a time and location also to be determined by the Advisory Board. All meetings are publicly noticed.